UH vs. Florida State matchups in Peach Bowl

December 30, 2015 4:15 PM

Quarterbacks

Sean Maguire began the season as Florida State’s backup before winning the job from Everett Golson. Golson did not accompany team to Atlanta, meaning redshirt freshman J.J. Cosentino will serve as No. 2 quarterback. UH’s Greg Ward Jr. is a major reason the Cougars average 40.6 points. He ran for 1,041 yards and 19 touchdowns and passed for 2,590 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Quarterbacks Sean Maguire began the season as Florida...photo-9177925.122843 - |ucfirst

Running backs

Can UH contain sophomore Dalvin Cook? He set a FSU single-season rushing record with 1,658 yards and led Power Five running backs with a 7.9-yards per carry average. He’s been hampered by hamstring and ankle injuries but the break has given him time to heal. The Cougars are again healthy in the backfield with the return of Kenneth Farrow, who needs 51 yards for a second consecutive 1,000-yard season, and Ryan Jackson.

When they pass, the Seminoles like to spread the ball around with three receivers – Kermit Whitfield, Travis Rudolph and Bobo Wilson – with at least 50 catches. UH’s Demarcus Ayers had a breakout season with 89 catches and more than 1,100 yards while Oregon transfer Chance Allen has filled in nicely at the No. 2 spot. Steven Dunbar and Linell Bonner had touchdown catches in big wins over Louisville, Memphis and Navy.

Receivers/tight ends When they pass, the Seminoles like to...photo-7339775.122843 - |ucfirst

Offensive line

With no seniors, sophomore left tackle Roderick Johnson, an All-ACC first team pick, is the Seminoles’ most experienced lineman with 17 career starts. UH used 10 different starting combinations, with left tackle Alex Cooper the only player to start all 13 games. Center Will Noble was named a freshman All-American. Ben Dew, who missed most of season with a foot injury, is expected to start at left guard.

The Seminoles are stout up front, led by DeMarcus Walker, who has 10.5 sacks this season, and defensive tackle Nile Lawrence-Stample. Florida State allowed only seven rushing touchdowns this season, third-fewest in the nation. The Cougars use a 3-4 scheme with Tomme Mark, Cameron Malveaux (8.5 tackles for loss) and B.J. Singleton with hybrid Tyus Bowser (five sacks) occasionally being in pass-rushing situations.

Defensive line The Seminoles are stout up front, led by...photo-9181774.122843 - |ucfirst

Linebackers

Florida State’s Terrance Smith rebounded from injuries and is rated among the top-10 linebackers in next year’s draft, while Reggie Northrup leads the team with 87 tackles. UH’s Elandon Roberts and Steven Taylor have put up monster numbers, combining for 15 sacks and 33 tackles for loss. Roberts is second nationally with 86 total tackles and has 132 overall.

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is a consensus All-American and is expected to skip his senior year and enter the NFL draft, where he is projected as a top-10 pick. Freshman safety Derwin James alreadyis considered one of the nation’s top players at his position. UH is talented across the board in the secondary, led by cornerback William Jackson, who leads the nation with 21 pass breakups. Safeties Adrian McDonald and Trevon Stewart can create havoc with a knack for forcing turnovers. Cornerback Brandon Wilson has returned a fumble and interception for touchdowns.

A three-time All-American, Roberto Aguayo is the most accurate kicker in college football history, converting 97 percent of his field goals and extra-point attempts. Kermit Whitfield is averaging 28.1 yards on kickoff returns. UH’s Brandon Wilson has brought back kickoffs 94 and 100 yards for touchdowns. Coach Tom Herman prefers not to try field goals. The Cougars are third nationally in punt return defense.

In his sixth season, Jimbo Fisher has the second-highest winning percentage (.840) of any active head coach while leading the Seminoles to the 2013 national championship. In his first season, Tom Herman has led the Cougars to the American Athletic Conference title and first major bowl appearance in 31 years.

In his sixth season, Jimbo Fisher has the second-highest winning percentage (.840) of any active head coach while leading the Seminoles to the 2013 national championship. In his first season, Tom Herman

The Seminoles are no stranger to major bowls and will be playing in front of what’s expected to be a pro-FSU crowd with the Tallahassee campus about four hours from Atlanta. Herman is 50-4 the last four seasons as offensive coordinator at Ohio State and UH. Don’t discount UH defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, whose game plans feature multiple looks and blitzes designed to do enough to cause indecision.

Sean Maguire began the season as Florida State’s backup before winning the job from Everett Golson. Golson did not accompany team to Atlanta, meaning redshirt freshman J.J. Cosentino will serve as No. 2 quarterback. UH’s Greg Ward Jr. is a major reason the Cougars average 40.6 points. He ran for 1,041 yards and 19 touchdowns and passed for 2,590 yards and 16 touchdowns.